Chapter 7: Capture, Day One

There was a bump that woke Lancelot. He hit his head against the side of whatever he was riding in. He got up and heard jingling of chains. His wrists and ankles were chained to walls. He groaned and felt his head. It was a minor bump but painful still. Lancelot laid his head on the ground again and listened to the wagon on the road and the horses sounding off. He could hear two men talking behind him and other voices, male and female, talking to each other. He must be in an escort to some part of the Galinnorians' territory. They were most likely going to ask him questions. I might as well stick to my Akavarian training. It should stop me from saying anything, he thought to himself. The wagon came to a stop and the doors opened. He was exposed to light a bit too soon. He hid his face from the light but could barely see a Cloak and a Galinnorian elite come in to get him out. "Carful, if he killed Roman, Dune, and Hark then he is dangerouse," The Cloak warned. They held him while someone else was undoing his chains. They pulled him out and put him on his knees one they reached around in front of the cage wagon.

"Who are you?" Asked a Galannorian captain. But Lancelot was silent. "Answer him!" Shouted a Lieutenant. Lancelot just stared at him. He growled then hit him with his shield. Lancelot didn't even show aggression or gave satisfaction of a sound. He winced and the captain put his hand on the man's shoulder. "Let him be." The lieutenant nodded and ignored Lancelot. "This place is hidden in the mountains and the snow is coming. You won't be able to escape." Lancelot didn't say anything still. "Take him to the princess. She will decide what will happen to him." The Galannorian nodded and motioned the Cloak to help him.

Lancelot was dragged all the way through stone halls and then to a wooden door. He could hear something a little unpleasant. Scratch that, way too unpleasant. There were quite a bit of screams. The Cloak sighed and shook his head. "I can't believe your king allows this, Jericho. Huhh, you would think she was a lady." Jericho replied, "Only in the outside, Throne." He opened the door and there was a strange looking women laughing as someone was shouting in pain from something she would do. Jericho cleared his throat and stuttered, "M-milady? The captain said you were to decide what t-to do with… this prisoner." She glared at his interruption of her "fun" She looked at Lancelot and smiled, "Oh, what a handsome toy you are. I wonder how long it will take until it breaks." Lancelot didn't change any emotion. Akavarians were taught to do this. They couldn't really be broken. Even a recruit would stay silent. She strutted close to him and moved his face side to side. She slapped him but he didn't do anything. She looked at him with a puzzled face. "Hmm, this one is strange. Leave him here." Jericho nodded and exited quickly. Throne questioned, "What is your plan to 'break' him. I don't think you'll even get a sound." She glared and said, "We'll see about that. Now go!" Throne wasn't afraid of her nor did he jump. He glared and left. "Now what to do with you," She pondered aloud. Lancelot glared her in the eyes. She scoffed at first but then she found herself in an eye lock. She felt a shiver run down her and started to feel uncomfortable. "Stop that," She demanded sternly. He didn't do anything. "Did you hear me? I said stop staring!" Lancelot still stared. She grew cross then kicked him in the head. He fell on the ground but as sound as a straw dummy. "Fine, I'll just have to try harder."

Down back in Camelot's territory the attacks haven't started up for a while. Each town and territory was still and peaceful. Percival still didn't feel safe. "Where is Lancelot?" She asked. The entire table shook their heads. "I hope he's alright," Said the queen, "When will Lucien return?" Gawain looked out the window and said, "Ah, here he is. He's coming." Lamarck also looked out the window. "With Lancelot?" Galahad asked. Gawain shook his head. "No, he's alone." Lucien arrived in the room and said, "I have grim news. Lancelot was not at his post. The town is now ash." The words pierced the queen's heart. Her tears started to cry. "Could he be alright?" Percival asked. Lucien shook, "I don't know. I am about to go and track what happened. It seems my kin have not been able to best him and something sneaked behind him." Percival stood up, "I will join you. We have lost enough knights." The King nodded and declared, "Then it's settled. Percival, Lucien, you may look for Lancelot. If you find a trace then let us know." Galahad stood up as well and said, "My lord. Allow me to take Gawain and try to find Lancelot around the south-east." He shook his head and said, "That's a big risk." Galahad looked down but then he asked, "My lord, I know this is strange but what if I were to travel with Shawna?" The king raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you asking? Are you trying to get yourself killed? She would probably kill you at first sight." Galahad shook his head, "No, I think she will be willing to help. Besides, I'm sure she would know where to look. Gawain could help me contain her." Gawain agreed, "Yes, after all she does have some care for him. I can see it in her eyes." King sighed and said, "Alright, if you're so sure."

Percival and Lucien left to try to track Lancelot. Galahad and Gawain ran down to the prison. Shawna heard a cell door open and asked, "Lancelot, you must have questions." Gawain answered, "No, not Lancelot, us. We need your help." She raised an eyebrow and blinked, "Is that so? Well spit it out." Galahad replied, "Help me find my friend, Lancelot. I know you want to help. Please, you must help us." She asked, "What's wrong? Lancelot?" She felt a little worry take her over. "He's not hurt is he?" She accidentally showed emotion. "We think so," Gawain said. She stopped and said, "Fine, I'll help but in one condition. That will be said later." Galahad replied, "Fine, now come on." They led her to her armor and weapons. Surprisingly they didn't seem concerned nor did they say, "You'd better not try anything." They simply just asked: do you have this, do you have that, are you almost done, do you need that sharpened, do you need a dagger, are you ready? All these questions were asked softly. She replied softly all the same and gave thought. She changed her mind. She would actually help. She was about to make this her escape but this changed her mind. Lancelot always made those offers when they were about to deploy.

"Are you well?" Galahad asked. She cleared her throat and replied, "Me? Oh, uhm. I am fine, thank you. It's just…Doesn't it bother you that you are exposing yourselves. You haven't even demanded co-operation. Nor did you threaten me. I wonder why." Gawain replied, "What's the point? You're doing it anyway. We just thought you knew that that's what we wanted." She nodded and replied, "Yes, but that's not it. You sharpened my sword, gave me a dagger, gave me some bolts and a crossbow, then gave me my armor." Galahad and Gawain chuckled and asked, "And what is to be bothered by that?" She replied, "That I'm also right behind you." Galahad asked again, "And what is so bothering by that?" She replied, "That…that I'm your enemy?" Gawain shrugged and said, "You are not right now. Right now it is like 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' That's all I have to say about it." She shook her head and said, "Well, now I've seen everything. I rest my case. Come we have your friend to find. She sped up and the two followed.

Percival looked at the ash and found a scrap of metal. "Does this mean anything to you?" She asked Lucien. Lucien examined it and replied, "Its Dark Steel. The same material my kin uses for armor. It looks like Roman's." Percival looked at it and asked, "How do you know?" Lucien replied, "Because the only Shade I know who messes up on his armor is Roman. His skills are moderate but he was no blacksmith. Only his armor would leave its pieces behind." Percival asked, "Then what about this?" Lucien looked at it and said, "It's just a piece of glass from a window." She dropped it and said, "Oh. You know this place is as if there were some catapults firing. They must have grabbed the bodies too." Lucien replied, "No, this damage is of a Cloak. Understand that I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't want to but… Cloaks, you must be careful. You know what a Shade is, right?" She nodded, "Yes, a creature of dark magic. They can only be killed by being stabbed in the heart. Why? Are the Cloaks associated with them?" Lucien shook his head. "No, Cloak is the 'cloak' name for the real name of the race that was lost: The Shades." She widened her eyes and asked, "You're a Shade?" He nodded and said, "I am. And so are the others. Be cautious." She shook her head and said, "I don't believe it. You are too good to be a Shade. They are evil. You couldn't be." Lucien sighed at her and cut his hand then showed it to her. He healed instantly. She looked at him and asked, "Why?" He replied, "Because that is what must be. I just thought I would tell you so that we could co-operate better." She shook her hand and said, "Were we not doing that anyway?"

A day passed. Lucien had barely collected evidence that the Cloaks missed. That added with what Sapphire was able to say. Gawain's group had no luck. Lancelot had just endured a second torcher. "Grrr! How frustrating!" The princess shouted. She glared at Lancelot and heard the door open. "What!" She shouted. "You're wasting your time," said the Cloak. "I'm not done yet, Throne!" Throne chuckled and shot back, "I found out who that is. Sapphire, who is one of ours, has figured out who he is. Not only that but she seems to have found our old chieftain. Hand him over to us and we'll take care of him. We know more about him then you." She growled and gave a dismissive grunt. Throne walked over to Lancelot and said, "Here we go. Easy does it. Careful, you're still in a lot of pain." Lancelot tried to walk with Throne but his legs weren't able to keep him up. "You alright?" Throne asked after they left. "…Very good," He groand. Throne chuckled and said, "You'll have to forgive her. She hates it when people can tolerate her torture. She likes hearing and giving pain." Lancelot groaned again, "Swell." Throne looked at him and said, "Did you even take a deep breath?" Lancelot replied, "Uh uh." Throne looked at his condition and said, "You are tougher than you look." Lancelot groaned tiredly. Throne took him to a big structure inside the walls of the castle to what looked like the Cloaks would seem to barrack. "What in Avalon happened to him?" Asked Enola, "Is he alright?" Throne replied, "Yes, he's fine. He held on too. We had best get him to Herb. She will be able to help him with his pain."

Herb hummed as she worked. To Lancelot's surprise she was just twelve. How fast could she learn? Her voice was soothing and she seemed to enjoy what she did. "So, how long have you served as a knight?" She asked. Lancelot tried to speak but the pain was a little overwhelming. "Here drink this," Her light voice said. Lancelot listened and drank a little. She helped him drink it slowly then asked, "Feel any better?" Lancelot took a relaxing breath. "Good, it's taking effect. Now it's going to take a month to… Oh my." Lancelot opened his eyes and found his wounds and pain lost instantly. "Thank you," He said. "You're welcome, but how did you do that?" Lancelot replied, "I wield the power of chaos. I was already slowly healing. You just quickened it." She dropped her things with a look of aw. "Wait, you're the Hero of Chaos!" She exclaimed, "How is it possible that you were captured?" Lancelot replied, "Even though I am who you speak of I can be captured like any ordinary servant. But tell me: Do you know why the Galinnorians are angered by us." Herb shrugged and Lancelot helped her pick up the shards of a clay mortar. "I think it was something about attacking their people. Some of your minor knights were found dead near one of their forces. A wounded Galinnorian confirmed it was your forces before death. So they hired us to punish you. And we like our pittance so we accepted." Lancelot was stricken with confusion. "The king never even assigned anyone to interrupt a shipment of any sort. We haven't even deployed forces in years. At lease, as far as I know. I have only returned about four days ago."

Herb shrugged and said, "Well whether you're innocent or not doesn't bother us. We don't care who we are hired by. We don't know the full story but like I said, 'If we have pittance, then why not?' It's just the way things are." Lancelot nodded, "I understand. I worked with your people before. I only wonder if a few remember me. If I may, I'd like to know if the names Crow, Sew, Coarse, and Vail are familiar to you." She nodded, "Crow and Coarse are dead. That was about five years ago. Their job was to be their last. Don't worry, they were ready. Sew is out in the field right now. She did say he would like to see you soon. Crow? Well," She smiled, "Crow is our chieftain. And a good one at that. He's also my foster father." Lancelot raised his eyebrows and asked, "Where is your parents?" She shrugged, "I don't know. They just disappeared. I know they will be back because they write to me every day. They know where I am. I just wish they would be back soon. I haven't seen them since I was four." Lancelot smiled and said, "Take heart, they will not abandon you." She agreed, "I know. But I'm interested in you. Where are yours?" He replied, "My foster mother is now the queen of Camelot. But I was not born from the womb. I was created by my mother. She understood the power of chaos and created me from it purely. She was also a queen. She wanted something to protect her people. I did just that. Then my brother took the throne and Shawna was born. She took a roll as a captain and I volunteered to serve as her lieutenant. I treated her like a younger sister. My brother got an amazing feeling of victory and wanted more. It turned to blood lust. He ordered my unit to kill a major village of where an enemy kingdom had little but plenty income. I tried to talk Shawna out of it but she didn't listen. I played along with fear. My mother tried to control him and bring him back to his senses but he cut her in two. Therefore being demanded of greater loyalty eventually the Cloaks had come. Lucien…" Herb smiled and said, "You know Lucien?" Lancelot nodded and said, "He is a friend. Why?" Herb replied, "Lucien is the greatest Cloak known to us. He is in inspiration to us all. Not all know him by appearance; but they know him by skill."

A knock was on the door. "Come," Herb said in reply. "Herb, is he well?" Asked Throne. She nodded and said, "Completely healed. I had no idea he was a chaos manipulator." Throne looked surprised, "Oh, so this is the Hero of Chaos? A pleasure to meet you." Lancelot nodded, "Likewise." Throne smiled and said, "Sew would like to see you." Lancelot nodded. "It's good to see you, friend," Sew greeted. Lancelot asked, "What have you been doing up at late?" Sew replied, "Oh, just that and this is all. You?" Lancelot replied, "Traveling mostly."

"Lucien, over here!" Percival shouted. Lucien jogged over and looked at the foot steppes in the hardened mud. "These are Galinnorian boots. The Galinnorians must be holding him. They do appear to be dragging something. I found some scrabbled steps over there, then a wagon trail. There are also some horse prints." Percival asked, "Do you think that you could track them any better?" Lucien replied, "Unfortunately they split paths here. I can't tell which one the wagon took." Percival took a depressed deep breath. "Alright, I will take the left and you can take the right." Lucien asked, "Is that wise? One of us could be attacked." Percival replied, "We have to find some trace." Lucien paused. "… Alright, be careful. Cloaks can turn invisible and be soundless." She nodded, "I will. Good luck to you." Lucien nodded and said, "God watch over you." Percival ran down the path cautiously. Her hand was on her sword ready to battle if need be.

Galahad watched Shawna study the ground and look around. "No, he couldn't be here. I think we should join up with your friends." Gawain asked, "Giving up?" She nodded, "When it's here. I would search in the Outlands. It's the only solution. Otherwise maybe we could check out the town that Percival and Lucien were studying. Maybe they forgot a thing or two." Galahad shrugged and said, "It's possible. But Lucien would only gather what he needed." Shawna shrugged and said, "Let us see to it." Gawain mounted his horse and said, "Galahad, I feel like we are being watched." Shawna interrupted, "Well why not? I feel the same. See those trees? Pretend you don't know but there seems to be something hiding in them. I noticed just a minute ago." Galahad didn't look but he asked, "Do you know who they are?" Shawna shook her head and said, "I would blame Galinnore but it couldn't be. And the Cloaks would be invisible. It must be Talvani." Galahad watched her mount her horse. "Follow me," She directed. Galahad and Gawain listened. If Telvani was spying on them then what did they want?

"So where is Edward?" Asked Sew, "I haven't seen him or heard from him lately." Lancelot looked at her sadly and said, "I'm afraid he's dead. There was nothing I could do to save him." Sew breathed and said, "That is… too bad. He was very brave. But nonetheless I would also ask if the republic is doing fine." Lancelot smiled and said, "Now there I can give you good news. The republic is now its own and free from any slavery. Akavar has been scattered around England." Sew nodded, "That is good news. But if the Akavarians are scattered then it could be trouble later. Not that you can do anything right now." Lancelot looked out a window and said, "That's fine. However I would like to take a walk outdoors." Sew nodded and looked at Herb. She nodded in response. Lancelot picked himself up and walked out the door to the halls of the provided headquarters of the Cloaks. He then stepped to the door where the door to the outside was behind.

As soon as he left he could hear clanking and grunts from training. Cloaks and Galinnorians alike were stepping on the paths. Some locked in conversation, and other were training. Sew was following Lancelot to ensure there was no quarrel. Lancelot was surprised on the Galinnorians' training. They had to practice with their hands, a shield, or tower shield, but he knew that. It was what they were training with. Every one of them towered over Lancelot. Their training forced them to wear the most unbearable weight. Thick heavy armor, a bag of stones, and heavy shields. It was no longer a mystery why Galinnorians would be so agile in heavy armor. By the training they're receiving it would make heavy armor feel like ordinary cloths. They were also trained to use their shields as their everyday tool. Such as: Gardening, watering plants, fighting, err… eating, and even breaking down things of sorts. They all started with hand to hand combat. Lancelot watched two combatants bow then get in a guard. There was a clap and they started at each other. He was familiar with one. What was his name? Oh yes, Jericho it was. He blocked one strike then another and another. He continued his defense when he finally used a counter. He took his advantage and finally put his opponent in a hold.

"Stop," said the constructor, "Well done, Jericho. You can move on." Jericho did a bow and exited the circle. "That is the Battle Circle," Sew explained, "The Galinnorians use it for training and arena practice. In this case it is an actual arena. You can gain a lot of respect if you win. It's what the Galinnorians do to gain a start for honor. Jericho has made his fortieth win just now. Ten more and he will become the honorary champion." Jericho popped his neck and thanked his congratulators. "Do Cloaks participate?" Sew shook her head, "No, we don't. We haven't the time." Lancelot still watched and then grew early of watching after seeing Jericho win his tenth. He saw some children playing as if they were already warriors. They fought each other carefully and happily. One seemed to have better teachings. Lancelot smiled as he watched the child persist. But then he was flipped on the ground. Lancelot chuckled at the child. He approached him and offered him a hand. The child smiled and accepted.

"Nicely done," He encouraged, "but how about trying using more speed then brute force." The child nodded and got back into stance. The two got into a small lock again and this time he won. "Well done," Lancelot complimented. The child smiled in excitement and helped his friend up. "How about you try?" Sew asked. Lancelot asked, "Against a child?" Sew shook her head, "No, but you may be forced." She pointed at a lieutenant. The same one he made a bad impression with. "What do you two think you are doing talking with an enemy?" The children were frightened a bit and tried to make an excuse. "Don't blame them," Lancelot said calmly. He looked at Lancelot and asked, "Do you think you have a right to poison our children with your teachings?" A child defended Lancelot, "He was only giving me advice, sir." The lieutenant sneered at him and said, "Get back." The younger two stepped back immediately. Sew also stepped back as well as the other troops. Lancelot stared at the Galinnorian lieutenant. "Gregor, he had no intent of any hostility," Sew said, "Do not do this. You may regret it!" Gregor was his name, was it? It seemed like a good enough name for who he was. Lancelot looked him in the eyes and he did the same. Gregor did the first attack and hit Lancelot in the stomach. He didn't expect it but it was a good move. The two locked again but Gregor stunned him and flipped him over. Lancelot got up and then Gregor rammed into him. Sew wanted to help but that was not aloud with the agreement they made with Galinnor. Lancelot was about to get up but he was in a little too much pain. Gregor added more but chopping him in the back and kicking his stomach. Lancelot was doing this one purpose. He wanted to prove the Galinnorians wrong of Camelot being hostile to them. Besides, he was gaining and advantage: pity. The only one who was poisoning their children's minds was the lieutenant.

"That's enough!" Shouted an angry, familiar voice. Lancelot looked over and saw Jericho glaring at Gregor. "Stay out of this," Gregor shouted, "That is an order!" Jericho replied, "And I said that is enough! There is no point of beating a prisoner with no hostile intention." Gregor turned furious and said, "Are you threating me, Corporal?" Jericho replied, "No, I'm warning you. The king will not accept this. Especially in front of children." Grogor looked at them and gave a dismissive grunt. He waived for his men to follow and left. Sew growled and said, "And I thought that Galinnorians were to be the most honorable." Jericho added, "I thought the same but if that is what we are being taught then I don't know." Lucien wasn't bleeding but he was very sore. "You doing well?" Jericho asked. Lancelot nodded once and replied, "I tried to get the point in his thick skull I wasn't wanting to be hostile but…" Jericho shook his head and said, "Gregor never has an intention showing much of any mercy. He won't kill you but he'll make you wish he did. Come on, Sew and I will get you back to Herb." Sew got on the other side and helped Lancelot up on his feet. "Easy," She warned.

"Again?" Herb asked. There was a woman with very noticeable blue eyes present with two other girls. One was familiar. She was present when he was first dragged in the building. "Lancelot, this is Sapphire, Enola, and Demahsa." Lancelot bowed his head. Sapphire helped Jericho and Sew put him on the table. "Now what happened?" Enola asked. "Gregor got a hold of him," Jericho replied in Lancelot's stead. "Why didn't you just do something to get him off you?" Herb asked. "I didn't want to make anyone believe I was hostile," Lancelot explained, "Besides, it would make the Galinnorians see me less of a threat." Demahsa understood what he meant and said, "So you let yourself get beating so that you could be less of a problem. It would seem pretty smart but painful of an idea." Lancelot chuckled, "I'm a fast healer." Demahsa looked at Herb. "He means it. He actually is a fast healer," She confirmed. She mashed some plants together and added a bit of water. Herb stirred the pestle in the mortar and mashed the plants together again. She put the liquid in a bottle and then connected a tool to it. She took a small candle and put it under the class object. The vapor traveled to one bottle to the other. She removed it once it reached the right amount then put it into another bottle. She held it in the light and shook her head. She looked through her herbs and other ingredients or sorts. She grabbed a strange looking plant and put water in a bottle. A flame made it boil in a short while. She put the plant inside and mixed it up a bit. She did the same thing with the new bottle with what she did with the other. The vapor traveled over to that bottle and she smiled. She mixed the liquids together and looked at it again. "Perfect," She commented. "Here, drink it. It is what I gave you last time."

Lancelot drank it and felt his pain disappear again. He exhaled and looked at Jericho, "I believe I've been remiss. Thank you for what you did." Jericho nodded and said, "It was fine. I enjoy destroying Gregor's fun." Lancelot exhaled again then closed his eyes. "So you're Lancelot," Sapphire said, "Lucien told me about you." Lancelot smirked and said, "He told me about you too. He didn't lie about your eyes." Sapphire giggled and said, "Thank you. I would like to stay and say more but I need to report to the chieftain." She bowed and waived, "Come along, girls." Demahsa stopped and curtsied, "Good bye." She left with a scurry with smiled behind her. Lancelot laid back and put his head against the wall. A lot happened in one day. He could only wonder what would happen the next.